The University of Colorado is seeking feedback from its community on a revised Consensual Amorous Relationships Policy, previously known as the Conflict of Interest in Amorous Relationships Policy (APS 5015). The deadline for submitting comments is March 13. After this period, the policy will be considered by campus chancellors and the university president, with an anticipated effective date of July 1, 2026.
Valerie Simons, vice president of compliance and equity and system Title IX coordinator, led a working group composed of staff and faculty from various departments such as Equity Offices, Human Resources, Intercollegiate Athletics, and the Office of University Counsel. This group reviewed the policy at the request of CU President Todd Saliman.
According to the university, initial drafts were shared with stakeholder offices, university leadership, and student representatives. The review process now continues through the system Office of Policy and Efficiency to involve students, faculty and staff, campus governance groups, and external stakeholders. Student focus groups will also be held on each campus before finalizing the policy.
The revised policy aims to expand the definition of “evaluative authority” to address concerns about favoritism or conflicts of interest where power dynamics are present. It also sets clear prohibitions for certain consensual relationships and outlines procedures for disclosing potential conflicts. Additionally, it clarifies distinctions between consensual relationships under this policy and those involving harassment or coercion addressed by other university policies.
Feedback can be submitted online via a form attached to the draft policy (https://www.cu.edu/ope/forms/feedback), which also provides more information about the proposed changes and details from the initial review process. The input collected will help shape revisions before final approval by university leadership.
“Feedback is requested by March 13 so that the Office of Policy and Efficiency may share it with leadership and the systemwide working group. Once all feedback is received, the policy will be finalized through the Office of the President and campus leadership,” according to university officials.
Community members are encouraged to participate in this review process so their perspectives can be considered ahead of final adoption.
